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Written By: Jewels Alexandria
(5 Minute Read)
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For five years The Juke Joint, like so many of the artist featured, chose to step out on faith and pursue a passion. To trust that working towards something that brings joy instead of playing it safe will pay off. I once read, the years we spend before reaching our goals, is the years we took to get great at it. Or something like that. This year, The Juke Joint has released 31 articles. 32, if you count thE one you are reading now. Thirty-one write-up about music and music only. 31 stories. 31 discoveries. And we still have 9 weeks left in the year. Nine more articles? Just maybe..
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Each year, The Juke Joint likes to highlight some of the Cleveland artist featured in the magazine and congratulate them for all of their hard work and courage to follow their passion. There is No Rhyme or Reason, Just Cleveland. Cleveland being great and pushing their art for the world to see. Here are a few from the past year.
Jinari Kemet:
January of this year, Jinari Kemet released, The Othercide. An album that dives into depression, relationships and his faith in God along with other topics. The Juke Joint gave this project a 7.5/10, calling it a transparent and bold album. But Kemet’s writing ability goes beyond the pen. He is able to bring his words to life through his vibrant stage presence. He is killer on the guitar and plays drums like he was born to do it. He also blends well with every genre. From screamer metal to pop to Hip Hop, he is able to do it all. Thank you, Jinari Kemet, for your art.
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​https://www.jukejointofficial.com/jinari-kemet-the-othercide
Chris Lugo:
Lugo stole my heart with the release of his single, Still Holding On. Quick story, I heard this song flying into Colombia in February this year and quickly wrote the review for this song in my head. I played it so much I had learned all the words in just 3 days. Sharing with friends and family and just about anyone I thought would appreciate it as much as I had. Still Holding On received the highest rating on the The Juke Joint this year with 9.2/10. Comparing his single to the likes of John Mayer. Thank you, Chris Lugo, for your art.
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​https://www.jukejointofficial.com/chris-lugo-still-holding-on-review
Komplex:
I had the wonderful opportunity of working with Pure Power Music in interviewing Hip Hop artist Komplex. Regardless of his name, this MC is not so complex, after all. He is a family oriented, compassionate man who takes his craft serious. Thank you, Komplex, for your art.
Clay’Bama:
One of the very first featured artist on The Juke Joint was the great Clay ‘Bama. The HXSTL King as never lost his drive to produce music on a level like no other. But there is so much more to Clay than his music. He is a big inspiration for starting the magazine. Seeing him perform years before the start encouraged me to pursue my passion in writing. And his genuine energy has never changed over the years. Even developing a friendship that helps push each other to the next level. Thank you, Clay’Bama, for your art.
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​https://www.jukejointofficial.com/clay-bama-4-years-later
Drew Castle:
Drew Castle is one a Cleveland native who moved from Cleveland to Nashville in 2015. Eight years later, he has successfully toured with Dreamville’s very own Bas. Playing bass guitar for the MC. The Juke Joint had the wonderful opportunity to interview Mr. Castle and learn more about tour life and his determination to be the best he can be. Not only as a musician but as a person. A man of God. Thank you, Drew Castle, for your art.
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Freshy Ramone:
Having to begin again reveals so much more than what we could ever imagine. This year, Freshy had to close his physical Mantra Shop. But closing is only the start of something new. The Juke Joint had the opportunity to sit with Freshy and discuss music, clothing and future plans for his music and clothing line. Thank you, Freshy Ramone, for your art.
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There is other artist The Juke Joint had the pleasure of working with this year. Take a moment to explore the magazine and see what The Juke Joint is all about! Thank you to my team of writers, Phillip Roberts and Dion Hudnall. You two are very talented individuals who are helping shape and expand The Juke Joint in so many ways. Thank you all for your support over the years. Here is to five years and to five more!
November 2, 2024